CABAYE WILL PROVE BLANC WRONG

French and Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye has said that he expects to prove manager Laurent Blanc that he is wrong when it comes to his thoughts that the French midfield lacks the experience that it once used to have in abundance. Over the years, France has had the likes of Claude Makelele and Patrick Vieira in the centre of midfield to provide them with abundance of experience. However, Laurent Blanc will have limited disposal at his hands when it comes to the number of experienced campaigners at the Euro 2012. Laurent Blanc has said during his squad selection that he has included Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda due to his experience, despite the fact that the former Lyon midfielder has played very little football with his club side this season.

Yohan Cabaye, who has made 10 appearances for the French national team, has said that the midfielder personal are extremely keen on improving Laurent Blanc that he is wrong in his assumptions. France certainly come into the tournament not as the favourites, but have the ability to win the tournament according to him. He has been in sensational form for his club team this season and will be hoping to translate the same into international football as well.

“We, the midfielders, we work hard, we gain experience after every game we play with the national team. That’s the only way to get this experience – playing the games and the competitions. There is no way you can say you have experience if you are not on the pitch,” Cabaye said. France will be coming into the tournament having been undefeated in 18 consecutive matches. Their biggest test in the group stages will be coming in the form of England, while Patrice Evra believes that co-host Ukraine should also not be taken lightly.